Peter Thomas

5 days ago | racingpost.com | Peter Thomas

Through 2025, the Racing Post will be telling he history of racing through the stories of the 20 most significant races ever runParts one and two:The day racing changed forever: how the 1780 Derby sparked a 250-year turf revolutionThe Grand National didn't start in 1839 - this is the true story of racing's greatest raceIn the middle of the 18th century, if you wanted to attract a massive crowd to the Knavesmire, all you had to do was hold a public execution.

5 days ago | racingpost.com | Peter Thomas

I know it isn't like being down the pit, but years of experience have taught me that punting is a tough old game, even when you're operating at my level – what I like to call 'serious recreational' – which is why I have the highest regard for anybody who has to put food on the table with their betting, and why a recent chat with the master of Pricewise, Tom Segal, was such an eye-opener. Segal has his losing runs like the rest of us, but he can't just raise the white flag like we can.

1 week ago | racingpost.com | Peter Thomas

Harry Herbert has many reputations. There's the frustrated thespian; the aristocratic ally of Al Shaqab and Cartier; the charismatic raconteur; and the emotional cove who will blub at the drop of a hat, especially at the races.

1 week ago | racingpost.com | Peter Thomas

The Sunday Sample is a new weekly highlight you don't want to miss, showcasing one of the many brilliant articles enjoyed that week by Racing Post+ subscribers each Sunday morning. This week we focus on The Story of Horseracing in 20 Races, a fascinating new series which we’re celebrating with 60% off Racing Post+. In it, we will tell the story of horseracing through the 20 most significant races ever run, crafting an expansive and fascinating tale of how the modern turf took root.

2 weeks ago | racingpost.com | Peter Thomas

From the whims and passions of royalty to the baser pleasures of the heaving masses, from the days of deep and unswerving devotion to onrushing modernity and existential doubts, horseracing has charted a turbulent course through history. In the modern era, Pattern races and the Classics stand tall in a changing topography, where big business dominates the world of bloodstock and the big money comes from the ruling classes of other lands.